Midfield teams propose to be 'semi-constructors'

Feb.23 (GMM) Three midfield teams have reportedly proposed that F1's rules be tweaked so that 'semi-constructors' are legal.

It recently emerged that the FIA had commissioned KcKinsey, a multinational consulting firm, to examine the finances of the nine F1 teams amid the apparent need for cost-cutting.

But the latest round of internal meetings within formula one showed that, at least among the most powerful teams, there is no mood for radical change.

"McKinsey spoke to all formula one teams, including Sauber, on behalf of the FIA," Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn confirmed to the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"As part of this interview, we disclosed very detailed information and suggestions that we had already come up with in the past with Lotus and Force India," she added.

"There were very concrete proposals in the areas where we see potential for savings," said Kaltenborn.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, the major proposal was that teams like Sauber, Force India and Lotus be allowed to pool their resources and become known as a 'semi constructor'.

They would then share the design, wind tunnel and manufacturing costs to produce a standard car, and then go their separate ways to develop and race them.

Correspondent Michael Schmidt said the top teams rejected the idea.

Kaltenborn, though, insists there are very obvious ways in which F1 can reduce costs.

"I do not want to specify a number," she said, "but it is clear that we can still have a very good show for a lot less money."

The big obstacle, she admitted, is the big teams, leaving Kaltenborn far from optimistic that a solution can be found soon.

"If you look at the trend of recent years," she said, "then you cannot answer yes to this question."